Why Are There Different Results in Young's Double-Slit Experiment Calculations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculations for Young's Double-Slit Experiment using two different equations: d*sinθ = m*λ and Y = R*m*λ / d. The first equation, derived from wave interference principles, yields a distance of 1.92m for the first bright spot, while the second equation, which applies the small angle approximation, results in a distance of 1.62m. The discrepancy arises from the assumptions made in the small angle approximation, which may not hold true in this scenario due to the angle θ being relatively large. Therefore, the first equation is recommended for accurate results in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Familiarity with the double-slit experiment
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Basic conversion between nanometers and meters
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the wave interference equation d*sinθ = m*λ
  • Explore the small angle approximation and its limitations in physics
  • Learn about the significance of wavelength in diffraction and interference patterns
  • Investigate the impact of slit separation on interference patterns in Young's experiment
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics and optics, as well as educators looking to clarify concepts related to the double-slit experiment and interference patterns.

Chris Okeef
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Homework Statement


In a KhanAcademy video, light of wavelength 700nm shines through a double-slit whose holes are spaced 1300nm
apart. If a screen is placed 3m away from the double-slit, what will be the distance from the central bright spot on the screen to the next bright spot?
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-pr...agnetic /v/youngs-double-slit-problem-solving

Homework Equations


per KhanAcademy: d*sinθ = m*λ

per what I think: Y = R*m*λ / d

d = distance between the 2 slits
m = whether it's the 1st, 2nd, 3rd bright band
Y = distance from central bright
R = distance from double-slit to screen

The Attempt at a Solution


per KhanAcademy and using d*sinθ = m*λ

d*sinθ = m*λ
1300nm*sinθ = 1*700nm
sinθ = 700nm / 1300nm
θ = 32.6°

then use this to find Y
tanθ = Y / X
Y = tanθ*X
Y= tan(32.6°)*3m
Y= 0.64*3
Y= 1.92mper what I think and using Y = R*m*λ / d

Y = R*m*λ / d
Y = 3m*1*700nm / 1300nm
Y = 1.62m

(nanometers were converted to meters. I just did it this way to save space when typing it here)

My Question: Which equation should I use? Why am I getting different answers?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The second formula is the small angle approximation:
then sin(θ) ≅ θ in radians and θ ≅ Y/R
 
Last edited:

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